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Some Kiryat Shmona voters show waning Likud loyalty before Israel's election

Locals say the town's population has not fully returned, and a poll shows Netanyahu's northern support falling before the vote.

Updated Oct 24, 2026 · 00:24 UTC2 reports

The short version

Signs of fading loyalty to Likud are emerging in Kiryat Shmona, a northern border town, before the election.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
Around 50% of the town's voters chose Likud in 2021 and 2022, compared with a quarter nationwide.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
A poll put Netanyahu's support across northern Israel at about 17%, down from roughly 29% before 2022.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
The town claims nearly 80% of its 22,000 residents have returned, but locals put the figure closer to 50%.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]

About 50% of Kiryat Shmona voters chose Likud in the 2021 and 2022 elections, compared with a quarter nationwide, according to the Central Elections Committee.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
Kiryat Shmona claims nearly 80% of its 22,000 residents have returned, while locals say the figure is closer to 50%.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
A poll for Agam Labs at Hebrew University put Netanyahu's support in northern Israel at about 17%, down from roughly 29% before the 2022 election.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]

The town's population return figure is disputed: the town's claim of nearly 80% conflicts with locals' estimate of about 50%.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
It is unknown whether these signs of fraying loyalty will translate into votes in the upcoming election, based on a single regional poll and local interviews.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.